carissa smith design portfolio

c a r i s s a s m i t h

architecture is more than just design...

it is the c h o r e o g r a p h yof the human body and its

as it moves through a void space.

s e n s e s

manifesto

Hi, my name is Carissa Smith. I grew up in Cleveland, OH and went to Miami University in Oxford, OH to get an undergraduate degree in architecture. I am currently pursuing an M.Arch degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago [SAIC]. I have always practiced architecture with the belief that it is a body-centered experience. Sensory, perceptions, and memories are all interchangeable when creating the dialogue between structure and person. My process often commences with intuitive sketches after understanding the site, which then evolves into digital and physical explorations to strengthen, yet hold true to the initial design concept.

personal reflection

September 2011 - May 2013


October 2012

October 2012

January 2012 - August 2012


o b j e c t i v e

e d u c a t i o n

l e a d e r s h i p

s k i l l s

p o r t f o l i o

r e f e r e n c e s

g r a d u a t e e m p l o y m e n t

h o n o r s

Master of ArchitectureSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago | Chicago, ILNAAB-accredited program headed by the AIADO department using resources offered by a world-class art and design school.

Bachelor of Arts in ArchitectureMiami University|Oxford, OH GPA 3.54|4.0 Cum Laude Latin HonorsCIDA Accredited four year studio program with selective portfolio-based admission led by the Department of Architecture and Interior Design.

Outstanding Achievement in Urban Design Development SAIC | Chicago, IL Awarded achievement for social interaction as generator for architectural form systems.

Departmental Honors in Architecture + Interior Design Miami University | Oxford, OH Honors achieved by maintaining high academic standing and leadership.

University Honors with Distinction Miami University | Oxford, OH Honor awarded for strong initiative in personal research and demonstrating dedication to the community.

Mildred Z. Bishop Scholarship Award Miami University | Oxford, OH Scholarship awarded on the basis of merit and demonstration of leadership in the architecture progrom.

Dean’s List Miami University | Oxford, OH Honor recognizes effort that exceeds the academic standards set by the university.

May 2012

May 2010

May 2010

2009-2010

2006-2010

July 2012 - present

January 2012- present

June - August 2012

January - June 2012

http://issuu.com/csmith23/docs/designportfolio

Advanced Output TechnicianAdvanced Output Center | SAIC | Chicago, IL Supervised AOC operations including laser cutting, printing, and rapid prototyping; assisted students with questions and file prep; trained students to use laser cutters; monitored student workers

Teacher AssistantDean’s Office, SAIC | Chicago, IL Developed a strong and productive program to demonstrate to various classes the process of utilizing a portfolio-development computer program.

Architecture Teacher AssistantContinuing Studies, SAIC | Chicago, IL Collaborated with the teaching staff as a part of the SAIC’s summer camp to educate youths aged 9-10 on the basics and tools of architecture.

Office AssistantFiber and Material Studies Department, SAIC | Chicago, IL Coordinated organization and assistance to teachers and students of the Fiber department, while also managing the graphics presentation of events put on by the department.

Modern Ball VolunteerArt Institute of Chicago | Chicago, IL Assisted in the organization and provisions of the Modern Ball arranged by the Architecture & Design Society to honor Stanley Tigerman, Frank Gehry, and Robert Stern.

AIANEI Student Design CompetitionSAIC | Chicago, IL Nominated by school faculty to submit a design project and represent the AIADO program in the AIA-Northeast Illinois Student Design Competition

GFRY StudioSAIC | Chicago, IL Chosen by an intensive application process to develop real-world design solutions, with funding from Motorola.

Senior Capstone Thesis ProjectMiami University | Oxford, OH Composed a thesis and investigative design research project approved and certified by the Miami Honors Program.

To continue my design career with an organization that will utilize my skills of innovation, perseverance, and resourcefulness to the fullest with the intention to design for the full body experience.

Linda Keane 414.332.4381 [email protected] Sterks 312.629.6650 [email protected] Dorries 773.299.8402 [email protected] Board

Model-buildingWoodshop certified

AdobeSuites|

Microsoft|

Rhino 3DGrasshopperFireflyFormZ RenderZone

10353 South Lake Blvd. | Apt. L26 Parma, OH 44130 216 502 7189 [email protected]

Autodesk|

Photoshop IllustratorInDesignAutocadRevitWordPowerpointExcel


design profile



October 2012

October 2012



o b j e c t i v e

e d u c a t i o n

l e a d e r s h i p

s k i l l s

p o r t f o l i o

r e f e r e n c e s


h o n o r s








May 2012

May 2010

May 2010

2009-2010

2006-2010

July 2012 - present


June - August 2012

January - June 2012











Available upon request

Arduino BoardModel-buildingWoodshop certified

AdobeSuites|

Microsoft|



Autodesk|





October 2012

October 2012



o b j e c t i v e

e d u c a t i o n

l e a d e r s h i p

s k i l l s

p o r t f o l i o

r e f e r e n c e s


h o n o r s








May 2012

May 2010

May 2010

2009-2010

2006-2010

July 2012 - present


June - August 2012

January - June 2012











Available upon request

Arduino BoardModel-buildingWoodshop certified

AdobeSuites|

Microsoft|



Autodesk|



portfolio index

robert crown community center

123

54

6

Density Analysis

The destination of communities determined by the rivers flowing into and through the site defines the character of the site. Each community or “island” is purposed towards one or two functions and then designed to emphasize those functions. The clear definition that helps to locate place between the islands is the characteristics of the pathways. Utilizing dimensions, material, lighting, and vegetation, unique pathways throughout the site will help the users to locate where they are within place. Sharing of spacesspaces occur frequently with- public spaces are located surrounding the main river and the little pond and streams that occur on site. Water is utilized to facilitate social activity and community sharing.

robert crown community centerEvanston, IL | September - December 2012

goose island site re-urbanizationChicago, IL | March - May 2012

goose island mixed-use developmentsChicago, IL | March - May 2012

mixed reality architecture visionary explorationsSeptember - December 2012

Chicago, IL | October - December 2011o’hare terminal 4

perceiving the doppler effect an urban steetscape experienceChicago, IL | September 2012 - June 2013

Architecture’s failure to acknowledge the contemporary and complex understanding of human perception and

consciousness has resulted in public spaces that are disconnected from the site and society it means to serve,

creating a great loss for the urban community. Public spaces in cities are becoming increasingly impoverished

and insufficient as urban sprawl takes over the space.

Perceiving the Doppler Effect redesigns the city walkway to become a more inclusive experience for

the pedestrian, engaging contemporary understandings of sensory systems and cognition. The project reaches

beyond the visual and creates an embodied perception of a shared social reality available to a greater number of

the public.

perceiving the doppler effectan urban streetscape experience

Chicago, IL | September 2012 - June 2013

listening. sensing. visualizing. navigating.

reengaging the street with the

s e n s e s of p e d e s t r i a n ss e n s e s of p e d e s t r i a n s

The city streets are constantly polluted with noise and commotion, causing the pedestrians to become less aware of their other senses and instead become more reliant on vision. This project aims to revert that occurrence by bringing the users’ attention back to the lesser-acknowledged senses.

Archer Avenue, located in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, is currently bereft of any sensory experience to offer the users. Its deficiency as a pedestrian walkway poses a problem for ease of access to open green space in the neighborhood.

The proposed design for Archer Avenue will overturn the common understanding of the senses and their influence on the perception of body placement. As a result, the focus of experience of the urban street will be directed away from the vehicle and towards the city pedestrian.

Conceptual model constructed with cardboard, colored paper, and T-pins to reprogram Archer Avenue as part of a design proposal.

transition from a

v e h i c u l a r dest inat ionto a

p e d e s t r i a n promenade

elevated walkwayselevated walkways

green spacesgreen spaces

v e h i c u l a r dest inat ion

p e d e s t r i a n promenade

i n t e r s e c t i o nt ransit i n t e r s e c t i o n

s t r e e t m a r k e t s

The project will address the issues of safety, accessibility and experience by placing green spaces and elevated walkways along the street. The process of walking will be as meaningful as the destination itself.

On these walkways, temporary street markets are placed to ignite commercial activity along the street. Taking inspiration from the street markets of Mexico City, the elevated walkways of Archer Avenue support the local merchants, giving them a place to set up business for varius trades, including jewelry, food, antiques, etc. Because the program of the bridges is designated solely for communal activity, the markets are set up year-round. pedes t r ian s t reet market s

generating commercial activityfor the neighborhood

Cobblestone is paved on the streets below the bridges to offer another layer of sound movement and acoustics at street level for the pedestrians and cars.

The main central elevated walkway-- located at the intersection of Archer Ave. and Western Blvd.-- takes inspiration from the Doppler Effect. This phenomenon is the change in sound frequency for an observer moving relative to its source, causing the noise to sound louder as the source approaches and softer as it recedes.

The covering of the main bridge embodies the experience of the Doppler Effect by responding to the various transit vehicles as they pass through the site-- buses, freight trains, and the CTA orange line. As a result , the covering becomes a haven for the pedestrians and shelters them from the constant noise pollution and overwhelming city elements, truly allowing for a sensory promenade along Archer Avenue.

d o p p l e r e f f e c tskin as an echo of the d o p p l e r e f f e c tfreight train

orange linebus

bus 62 archer

freight train

orange line

freight train + bus 62 archer

orange line + freight train

e c h o e se c h o e sdown the corr idor

Using active noise cancelation system technology, the Doppler Effect is inverted. As the train comes closer to and crosses the bridge, instead of getting louder, the perception of sound will actually become softer. The noise system of the bridge plays ambient sound waves at a higher level to cancel out the low frequency of the intruding vehicle noises.

Technology is also used to visualize the phenomenon and affect how the users perceive their auditory sense. As the train or bus approaches the elevated walkway, the skin of the bridge-- via sensory-controlled dimmable glass-- gradually transforms from transparent to opaque. The view of the pedestrian is then guided inwards, creating a temporary remove from the city environment.

By accentuating the sensory experience that could be felt along the street through the embodiment of the Doppler Effect, the human body and its senses can then be engaged and a foundation for an urban community streetscape is thus initiated.

c i ty noise as a sensor

t r a n i s i t i o n i n g of the s k i nto affect the

t r a n i s i t i o n i n g of the s k i n

Orange Line is approaching the bridge from the side. Skin is transparent and thoroughly open to all city elements occuring around the elevated walkway.

Orange Line is getting closer to the bridge. Skin is gradually becoomes more opaque and the white noise technology increasingly gets louder to cancel out the advancing train noise.

Orange train crosses the bridge. Skin becomes completely opaque and train noise is entirely cancelled out to offer a haven for the pedestrians away from the overwhelming city elements.

thesis gal lery s h o w i n gthesis gal lery s h o w i n g

floor animation

animation

sound

thesis gal lery s h o w i n gthesis gal lery s h o w i n g SET OFF 2013 Graduate Design ExhibitionA gallery showing open to the public that showcases the thesis explorations of design graduates. Sullivan Galleries Chicago, IL June 10- July 5 2013

[Above] Street Model constructed with medium-density fibreboard (MDF), rapid prototype abs plastic, acrylic, museum board, and printed transparency sheets

[Below] Animation of a close-up view of the bridge’s skin transitioning, projected on the floor for extended interaction with viewers

soundsound

Located in Evanston, IL, the project calls for a design proposal to redevelop the Robert Crown Center and

the park in which it is situated. The original community center currently has two ice rinks , but a lack of space for

any other activities to occur in the building.

With the new design, a new program will be introduced alongside the athletic ice programs—a community black

box theatre. Because the existing Evanston theatre will be closing in 6 months, the design concept will provide a

new home for the theatre troupe.

robert crown community center

Evanston, IL | September - December 2012

playing.observing.walking.performing.

pulling users from all corners to the

t e n s i o n of the c e n t e r

flow of circulation through the c e n t r a l p a s s a g e w a y

flow of circulation through the c e n t r a l p a s s a g e w a y

At the near-center of the site, a through-way covered by a canopy allows full access to the three main building forms. The core becomes a focused point of circulation for users coming from all directions.

Because of the amplified movement, the hub is kept open, free of any walls that would cause obstruction to the flow. The focused viewpoint provided by the canopied walk-way also guides the eye view to focus on the various activities that are occurring outside.

North Edge

N

The four edges of the site represent the four different user types surrounding the perimeter of Robert Crown Park—students, residents, visitors, and consumers. Axes were drawn to engage these edges, and by extension, the different audiences that make up the community. As a result, the axes split up the park into different zones, characterized by how they might serve the different users.

The collision of the axes is where the community center is placed, observing the central draw that pulls at each edge. The building itself consists of 3 main forms—each supporting a chief function for sports or theatre-- that are aligned along a different axis for each one. The result is a dynamic design that reinvigorates the community life of the Evanston community and ignites interaction between the diverse types of users.

axes addressing d i s t i n c t e d g e s of the neighborhood

A. Ice RinkB. GymC. Team RoomD. ShowersE. Locker RoomF. Surfacer RoomG. Warming RoomH. Skates RentalI. ConcessionsJ. Central CourtyardK. Community RoomL. Ticket Box OfficeM. Cafe

N. KitchenO. Dressing RoomP. Back StageQ. Black Box TheatreR. PlazaS. LibraryT. Day Care CenterU. Craft AreaV. Loading DockW. OfficesY. StorageZ. RestroomsAA. Mechanical Room

Key

sensationalizing the

p e r f o r m a t i v e nature

of athlet ics

sensationalizing the

By partnering the athletic program of ice-skating and hockey in conjunction with the program of the dramatic arts, the spectator nature of both systems is emphasized.

The roles of the observer and the performer are interchanged freely, and a numerous diversity of exchanges can occur between the residents of Evanston. More importantly, a stronger foundation is thus established upon which a community of all interests- sports and theatre- can meet and interact.

Concrete Decking

Tensile Fabric

Masonry

Green Wall

Glazing

Steel Columns

a composite modular skin system

a composite modular skin system

The current community center has no communication with the surroundings. The building conveys itself as a box that was stuck onto the land; a bleak protrusion on an otherwise flat surface. The lack of interaction between building and environment provides little cause for the community to engage with the site.

The newly designed center has a profile that mimics rolling hills, blending into the vibrant sloping and layout of the surrounding landscape.

black box theatre interior

black box theatre interior

Fusing the structure’s profile into the

d y n a m i c landscape

Density Analysis

The destination of communities determined by the rivers flowing into and

through the site defines the character of the site. Each community or

“island” is purposed towards one or two functions and then designed to

emphasize those functions. The clear definition that helps to locate place

between the islands is the characteristics of the pathways. Utilizing

dimensions, material, lighting, and vegetation, unique pathways throughout

the site will help the users to locate where they are within place. Sharing of

spaces

spaces occur frequently with- public spaces are located surrounding the

main river and the little pond and streams that occur on site. Water is utilized

to facilitate social activity and community sharing.

goose islandsite re-urbanization

The Goose Island site, situated adjacent to the Chicago River, is currently devoid of any human activity, despite

the potential of its history and diverse connections to the city. The new design for Goose Island calls for a

rejuvenation of the sense of community and a strong interface between land and river.

Programs to be involved in the design shall include cultural (parks, libraries, movie theatre), commercial, offices, industrial (warehouse to offer employment to

residents), and housing (apartments, townhouses).

The main aspiration for the project was to create an area that can be self-sustaining; a community where kids can grow up, acquire jobs, and then retire, without ever

feeling the need to leave to fulfill those life dreams.

Chicago, IL | March - May 2012

networking.rowing.residing.promenading.

strengthening the community interface by

i n t e r t w i n i n g water and land

Density Analysis

The destination of communities determined by the rivers flowing into and through the site defines the character of the site. Each community or “island” is purposed towards one or two functions and then designed to emphasize those functions. The clear definition that helps to locate place between the islands is the characteristics of the pathways. Utilizing dimensions, material, lighting, and vegetation, unique pathways throughout the site will help the users to locate where they are within place. Sharing of spacesspaces occur frequently with- public spaces are located surrounding the main river and the little pond and streams that occur on site. Water is utilized to facilitate social activity and community sharing.

A series of sketches were drawn to understand the composition of the site layout and the programs that need to be placed on it. The drawings illustrate the many ways that water can be drawn into the site via streams and ponds, organizing how the neighborhood villages will be divided within the area.

iterative sketches of site waterways

As a result of blurring the edge of the river into the island, ponds are created throughout the site. Little “islands” are formed by the waterways, thus presenting numerous places for informal gatherings and community events to occur.

The organic path of the water has also affected the placement of roadways and massing of the area. Roadways were dedicated to the half of the site that is closer to the transit areas, dividing the design into public and private areas accordingly. With no streets bisecting the area nearer to the river, walking along the water is thus encouraged, ensuring a stronger communal experience.

Massing is determined by the water and roadways, ensuring that each residential block has their own neighborhood pond and connected by different ways to the stores and offices that are nearby. Greenery is then allocated, with the stronger green areas devoted to communal activities, and the lighter for more recreational or aesthetic purposes.

The darkest green area is space reserved for large public events that could involve all of Goose Island’s residents, once again reestablishing the sense of intertwinement of the communities.

w a t e r a c t i v i t yw a t e r a c t i v i t y

vegetation circulationmassing

w a t e r a c t i v i t yw a t e r a c t i v i t y

overall site design

Connecting neighborhoods through goose island

mixed-use developments

After designing the site to re-urbanize Goose Island, a specific area was chosen within the design, and analyzed

for conceptualization of Mixed Use Developments.

The developments (MUDS) is a design that is composed largely of residential (1-Bedroom, 2-Room, Single, SRO), but also offers cultural and commercial aspects to the

area as well. The mixed-use housing and development design aspires to serve all needs of the diverse

generations and cultures living in the area.

The location for the MUDS design is chosen for its proximity to the large pond, the river, and green parks. It is also an

intersection of high activity and circulation. The concept for the dwellings began with 4 unique buildings that stand on their own. “Horizontal bridges” are then introduced to interconnect the four core structures into a single flowing

element.

Chicago, IL | March - May 2012Outstanding Achievement in Urban Design Development

Submitted in the AIANEI Student Design Competition

shopping.crossing.dwelling.sightseeing.

i n t e r w e a v e d together into a single element

four core structures

elevating the street experience above ground level

v e r t i c a l s t r e e t s

prototype layer models

v e r t i c a l s t r e e t s

Ground Floor Plan Weaving Floor Plan Core Floor Plan

Core Floor Plan

h o r i z o n t a l b r i d g e sweaving the cores into an integrated sequence

Horizontal Circulation

Commercial | Cultural

Natural Elements | Atrium Openings

Residential

The buildings offer strong ties to the surrounding ponds and parks. The horizontal streets reach out into the surroundings and allow visitors approaching from all corners of the area to enter the elevated commercial/ cultural area on the second floor.

The “bridging plans” and “core plans” alternate to provide different functions of privacy (residential) and high interactivity (store markets, gallery display areas) to ensure that each building structure has potential to provide the community essentials to its residents and neighbors.

Natural elements-- such as waterfalls, ponds, trees, greenwalls—are included into the building design to emphasize communication between the different floor levels. Atriums are specially placed to allow visibility and access into moments of community interaction.

Individual core floor plans dedicated solely to residential to support diverse types of families

Commercial and cultural programs to bridge across the individual structures

levels of weaving communicationbetween levels

natural elementscore ciruclation

mixed reality architecturevisionary explorations

Merging the realms of contemporary media with the practice of architecture and art, entirely new types of

spaces and environments are explored to the extents for new potential of the interactive, theatrical and illusory

realities.

Various medias and software platforms – such as photoshop collaging, print transfers, rhino digital

modeling, physical modeling-- are experimented with to best represent the thought process involved in conceiving

an innovative design space.

Inspiration ranging from Kurt Scwitter’s “Merzbau” and the film Mind Eraser to the moon of Jupiter was used to expand the sense of logic used when rationalizing

concepts when creating these new dimensions.

September - December 2012Showcased in the Hybrid Space Design Exhibit

seeking.noticing.discovering.exploring.

Iconic Tower in a Parallel Universe. “Mind Eraser”. [Opposite Page] 3D Scanning, Rhino Digital Modeling. [Same Page] Photoshop, image collage, print transfer, charcoal.

[Opposite Page] Europa House. Image Collage, Print Transfer, Charcoal. Personal Merzbau. Physical model with copper mesh, aluminum foil, foam core, natural lighting.

o’hare terminal 4

Working in a group consisting of two Designed Objects graduates and a fellow Architecture graduate, we

proposed a design solution for a new terminal for O’Hare. An innovative scheme is conceived - not only to eliminate the current issues of stress, time constraints, and

impersonal spaces - but to transform the experience of leaving for flight into one of celebration and awe.

By placing the new terminal - Terminal 4 - over the shuttle-way, new modes of getting to the terminal are

introduced. The placement also affects the form of the building, as the structure begins to be morphed by all the different forces of transportation that surround it- shuttles,

trains, cars, planes. Terminal 4 successfuly celebrates and physically embraces all ways of travel, for it is shaped by

the sensation of travel itself.

Chicago, IL | October -December 2011

perceiving.learning.connecting.transitioning.

of f l i g h t

celebrating the exper ience

morphed by the m o m e n t u m of transportation

movement between l e v e l scommunication of

form study materiality study

embrace between structure and

p l a n e

The connection between passenger and non-passenger is extended up until actually getting on the plane, to prolong the experience families can have in a terminal before a member departs. Families can view the building tangibly respond to the plane their relative is about get on. As a plane approaches the structure, the building materially envelopes and illuminates the plane, signaling the beginning of a journey.

t h a n k y o ufor your time and c o n s i d e r a t i o n


63 E. Lake Street | Apt. 809Chicago, IL

216 502 7189

[email protected]

Documents

carissa smith design portfolio